Evaluation and Management of Elderly Patients With Lung Cancer

Most patients diagnosed with lung cancer are older than 65 years. Advancing age is associated with increased medical and psychosocial issues that increase the complexity of care. This article provides a summary and update of work-up and management of elderly patients with lung cancer. Patient-related prognostic factors with attention to assessment of comorbidity in lung cancer patients are reviewed. Recent literature regarding toxicity and advances in locoregional and systemic therapies are reviewed, with recommendations for management.